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Ancient Mediterranean Incarceration
by Mark Letteney Matthew D.C. LarsenA free ebook version of this title is available through Luminos, University of California Press’s Open Access publishing program. Visit www.luminosoa.org to learn more. This book examines spaces, practices, and ideologies of incarceration in the ancient Mediterranean basin from 300 BCE to 600 CE. Analyzing a wide range of sources—including legal texts, archaeological findings, documentary evidence, and visual materials—Matthew D. C. Larsen and Mark Letteney argue that prisons were integral to the social, political, and economic fabric of ancient societies. Ancient Mediterranean Incarceration traces a long history of carceral practices, considering ways in which the institution of prison has been fundamentally intertwined with issues of class, ethnicity, gender, and imperialism. By foregrounding the voices and experiences of the imprisoned, Larsen and Letteney demonstrate the extraordinary durability of carceral structures across time and call for a new historical consciousness around contemporary practices of incarceration.
Ancient Mesopotamia: Portrait of a Dead Civilization
by A. Leo Oppenheim"This splendid work of scholarship . . . sums up with economy and power all that the written record so far deciphered has to tell about the ancient and complementary civilizations of Babylon and Assyria."—Edward B. Garside, New York Times Book Review Ancient Mesopotamia—the area now called Iraq—has received less attention than ancient Egypt and other long-extinct and more spectacular civilizations. But numerous small clay tablets buried in the desert soil for thousands of years make it possible for us to know more about the people of ancient Mesopotamia than any other land in the early Near East. Professor Oppenheim, who studied these tablets for more than thirty years, used his intimate knowledge of long-dead languages to put together a distinctively personal picture of the Mesopotamians of some three thousand years ago. Following Oppenheim's death, Erica Reiner used the author's outline to complete the revisions he had begun. "To any serious student of Mesopotamian civilization, this is one of the most valuable books ever written."—Leonard Cottrell, Book Week "Leo Oppenheim has made a bold, brave, pioneering attempt to present a synthesis of the vast mass of philological and archaeological data that have accumulated over the past hundred years in the field of Assyriological research."—Samuel Noah Kramer, Archaeology A. Leo Oppenheim, one of the most distinguished Assyriologists of our time, was editor in charge of the Assyrian Dictionary of the Oriental Institute and John A. Wilson Professor of Oriental Studies at the University of Chicago.
Ancient Meteorology (Sciences of Antiquity)
by Liba TaubThe first book of its kind in English, Ancient Meteorology discusses Greek and Roman approaches and attitudes to this broad discipline, which in classical antiquity included not only 'weather', but occurrences such as earthquakes and comets that today would be regarded as geological, astronomical or seismological. The range and diversity of this literature highlights the question of scholarly authority in antiquity and illustrates how writers responded to the meteorological information presented by their literary predecessors. Ancient Meteorology will be a valuable reference tool for classicists and those with an interest in the history of science.
Ancient Mexico: An Introduction to the Pre-Hispanic Cultures
by Frederick A. PetersonGeneral introduction to pre-Columbian Mexico: history, politics, culture, arts, religion, economics, architecture, and mathematics.
Ancient Models of Mind
by Andrea Nightingale David SedleyHow does god think? How, ideally, does a human mind function? Must a gap remain between these two paradigms of rationality? Such questions exercised the greatest ancient philosophers, including those featured in this book: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics and Plotinus. This volume encompasses a series of studies by leading scholars, revisiting key moments of ancient philosophy and highlighting the theme of human and divine rationality in both moral and cognitive psychology. The volume is a tribute to A. A. Long, and reflects multiple themes of his own work.
Ancient Monuments
by Cynthia Phillips Shana PriwerDiscusses the Egyptian pyramids, Greek temples, Roman buildings, and megalithic monuments in Britain, the book includes chapters on architecture in Mesoamerica, the early Middle East, and ancient China and Japan.
Ancient Monuments and Modern Identities: A Critical History of Archaeology in 19th and 20th Century Greece
by Sofia Voutsaki and Paul CartledgeAncient Monuments and Modern Identities sets out to examine the role of archaeology in the creation of ethnic, national and social identities in 19th and 20th century Greece. The essays included in this volume examine the development of interpretative and methodological principles guiding the recovery, protection and interpretation of material remains and their presentation to the public. The role of archaeology is examined alongside prevailing perceptions of the past, and is thereby situated in its political and ideological context. The book is organized chronologically and follows the changing attitudes to the past during the formation, expansion and consolidation of the Modern Greek State. The aim of this volume is to examine the premises of the archaeological discipline, and to apply reflection and critique to contemporary archaeological theory and practice. The past, however, is not a domain exclusive to archaeologists. The contributors to this volume include prehistoric and classical archaeologists, but also modern historians, museum specialists, architectural historians, anthropologists, and legal scholars who have all been invited to discuss the impact of the material traces of the past on the Modern Greek social imaginary.
Ancient Mounds of Watson Brake
by Elizabeth Moore Alice Couvillon<p>“Watson Brake is a special place in Louisiana history. . . . The efforts of Reca Jones to document and understand the mounds is an exciting story.” —Dr. Charles “Chip” McGimsey, Louisiana State archaeologist<p> <p>As archaeologist Reca Jones cooks with her grandchildren, the blocks of fudge they make remind her of the clay she discovered at the mounds of Watson Brake near West Monroe, Louisiana. The inquisitive kids ask their grandmother many questions, and she explains the significance of the mysterious mounds, and then takes them to the site. To the children’s astonishment, Reca reveals such artifacts as spear points, fishhooks, beads, and bones from the animals eaten by dwellers long ago. Each relic is a clue to the puzzling origin of an archeological site older than the pyramids of Egypt.<p> <p>Detailed illustrations provide an accurate depiction of the mounds at Watson Brake, which form an oval-shaped ring around an area the size of three football fields. Although no human bones have been found at the site, some archaeologists speculate that the mounds were built for religious ceremonies or even flood protection. A brief biography of the real Reca Jones completes this unique and fascinating story.<p>
Ancient Mysteries
by Peter James Nick ThorpeWhat was the Minotaur? Did a Welsh prince discover America? Did Robin Hood really exist? How does the Star of Bethlehem fit into the science of astronomy? Is the Vinland Map a fake? Can archaeologists use spirit messages to guide their work? For centuries, philosophers, scientists, and charlatans have attempted to decipher the baffling mysteries of our past, from the Stonehenge to the lost continent of Atlantis. Today, however, DNA testing, radiocarbon dating, and other cutting-edge investigative tools, together with a healthy dose of common sense, are guiding us closer to the truth. Peter James and Nick Thorpe, the professional historian and archaeologist team who created the acclaimed Ancient Inventions, now tackle these age-old conundrums, presenting the latest information from the scientific community--and the most startling challenges to traditional explanations of mysteries such as: - The rise and fall of the Maya - A lost cache of Dead Sea Scrolls - The curse of Tutankhamun - The devastation of Sodom and Gomorrah - The Nazca Lines These true mystery stories twist and turn like a good whodunit, as James and Thorpe present the evidence for and against the expert theories, shedding new light on humankind's age-old struggle to make sense of the past. The authors also make dramatic contributions of their own to the fray, demonstrating persuasively that catastrophic events--including the collisions of comets with the Earth long ago--could explain puzzles that have baffled experts for centuries. Ancient Mysteries will entertain and enlighten, delight the curious, and inform the serious.
Ancient Mystery Cults (Carl Newell Jackson Lectures #1)
by Walter BurkertThe foremost historian of Greek religion provides the first comprehensive, comparative study of a little-known aspect of ancient religious beliefs and practices. Secret mystery cults flourished within the larger culture of the public religion of Greece and Rome for roughly a thousand years. This book is neither a history nor a survey but a comparative phenomenology, concentrating on five major cults. In defining the mysteries and describing their rituals, membership, organization, and dissemination, Walter Burkert displays the remarkable erudition we have come to expect of him; he also shows great sensitivity and sympathy in interpreting the experiences and motivations of the devotees.
Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry: Its Teachings, Rules, Laws and Present Usages Which Govern the Order at the Present Day
by Dr R. Swinburne Clymer"Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry: Its Teachings, Rules, Laws and Present Usages Which Govern the Order at the Present Day" by Dr. R. Swinburne Clymer is an in-depth and scholarly exploration of the ancient and mystical traditions of Oriental Masonry. This comprehensive work delves into the rich history, profound teachings, and current practices of this esoteric order, offering readers a detailed understanding of its principles and rituals.Dr. Clymer, a renowned mystic and Masonic scholar, provides a thorough examination of the origins and development of Oriental Masonry, tracing its roots back to ancient civilizations and secret societies. He elucidates the core teachings and philosophies that underpin the order, highlighting their significance in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and personal transformation.In this illuminating book, Clymer covers the intricate rules and laws that govern the order, detailing the rituals, symbols, and ceremonies that are integral to its practice. He explores the moral and ethical precepts that guide members, emphasizing the importance of integrity, wisdom, and brotherhood in the Masonic tradition."Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry" also addresses the contemporary relevance of these ancient teachings, illustrating how they continue to influence and inspire modern practitioners. Through a blend of historical analysis and practical guidance, Clymer provides valuable insights into the mystical and spiritual dimensions of Masonry, making this book an essential resource for both initiates and seasoned members of the order.Dr. Clymer's authoritative and eloquent writing makes complex concepts accessible, while his deep reverence for the subject matter shines through on every page. This book is not only a guide to the rituals and laws of Oriental Masonry but also a profound exploration of its spiritual essence and enduring legacy."Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry" is a must-read for Masons, historians, and anyone interested in the mystical traditions of the East. Dr. R. Swinburne Clymer's work stands as a testament to the timeless wisdom and transformative power of Oriental Masonry, offering a pathway to deeper understanding and spiritual growth.
Ancient Mythological Images and Their Interpretation
by Katharina LorenzWhen we try to make sense of pictures, what do we gain when we use a particular method - and what might we be missing or even losing? Empirical experimentation on three types of mythological imagery - a Classical Greek pot, a frieze from Hellenistic Pergamon and a second-century CE Roman sarcophagus - enables Katharina Lorenz to demonstrate how theoretical approaches to images (specifically, iconology, semiotics, and image studies) impact the meanings we elicit from Greek and Roman art. A guide to Classical images of myth, and also a critical history of Classical archaeology's attempts to give meaning to pictures, this book establishes a dialogue with the wider field of art history and proposes a new framework for the study of ancient visual culture. It will be essential reading not just for students of classical art history and archaeology, but for anyone interested in the possibilities - and the history - of studying visual culture.
Ancient Natural History: Histories of Nature (Sciences of Antiquity)
by Roger FrenchAncient Natural History surveys the ways in which people in the ancient world thought about nature. The writings of Aristotle, Theophrastus, Strabo, Pliny are examined, as well as the popular beliefs of their contemporaries. Roger French finds that the same natural-historical material was used to serve the purposes of both the Greek philosopher and the Christian allegorist, or of a taxonomist like Theophrastus and a collector of curiosa like Pliny. He argues convincingly that the motives of ancient writers on nature were rarely `scientific' and, indeed, that there was not really any science at all in the ancient world.This book will make fascinating reading for students, academics and anyone who is interested in the history of science, or in the ancient history of ideas.
Ancient Near East c. 3000-330 BC
by Amelie KuhrtThis book is intended as an introduction to ancient Near Eastern history, the main sources used for reconstructing societies and political systems, and some historical problems and scholarly debates. It is emphatically not a history in the conventional sense of the word, for two reasons: first, as I have emphasised at several points, it is impossible to write a narrative history of events; second, I am not a specialist in all areas and periods of the complex Near Eastern region. I have tried to treat the periods and areas usually studied in universities, which means that, inevitably, my coverage is selective. My treatment of Egypt has been kept brief deliberately, as there are plenty of good studies of Egyptian history at all levels.
Ancient Near East c. 3000-330 BC Volume 2
by Amélie KuhrtThe ancient Near East embraces a vast geographical area, from the borders of Iran and Afghanistan in the east to the Levant and Anatolia, and from the Black Sea in the north to Egypt in the south. In this authoritative study, Amelie Kuhrt examines its history from the earliest written documents to the conquest of Alexander the Great, c. 3000-330 B. C. It provides a lucid, up-to-date narrative which takes into account the latest archaeological and textual discoveries and deals with the complex problems of interpretation and methodology.
Ancient Near East: The Basics (The Basics)
by Daniel C. SnellAncient Near East: The Basics surveys the history of the ancient Middle East from the invention of writing to Alexander the Great’s conquest. The book introduces both the physical and intellectual environment of those times, the struggles of state-building and empire construction, and the dissent from those efforts. Topics covered include: What do we mean when we talk about the Ancient Near East? The rise and fall of powerful states and monarchs Daily life both in the cities and out in the fields The legacy of the Ancient Near East: religion, science and writing systems. Featuring a glossary, chronology and suggestions for further reading, this book has all the tools the reader needs to understand the history and study of the Ancient Near East.
Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture
by Susan N. Helft William H. Stiebing Jr.Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture offers an historical overview of the civilizations of the ancient Near East spanning ten thousand years of history. This new edition is a comprehensive introduction to the history and culture of the Near East, from prehistory and the beginnings of farming to the fall of Achaemenid Persia. Through text, images, maps, and historical documents, readers discover the material, social, and political world of cultures from Egypt to India, allowing students to see how these intertwined cultures interacted throughout history. Now fully updated and incorporating the latest scholarship on society, religion, and the economy, this book highlights the changing fortunes of these great civilizations. A special feature of this book is its many "Debating the Evidence" sections, where the reader becomes familiar with scholarly disputes concerning the interpretation of textual and archaeological evidence on a variety of topics and case studies. The fourth edition of Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture remains a crucial textbook for undergraduates and general readers studying the ancient Near East, particularly the political and social history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, as well as students of archaeology and biblical studies who are working on the region.
Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture
by William H. Stiebing Jr.This introduction to the Ancient Near East includes coverage of Egypt and a balance of political, social, and cultural coverage. Organized by the periods, kingdoms, and empires generally used in Near Eastern political history, the text interlaces social and cultural history with the political narrative. This combination allows students to get a rounded introduction to the subject of Ancient Near Eastern history. An emphasis on problems and areas of uncertainty helps students understand how evidence is used to create interpretations and allows them to realize that several different interpretations of the same evidence are possible.This introduction to the Ancient Near East includes coverage of Egypt and a balance of political, social, and cultural coverage.
Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture (3rd Edition)
by William H. Stiebing Jr. Susan N. Helft<p>Organized by the periods, kingdoms, and empires generally used in ancient Near Eastern political history, Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture interlaces social and cultural history with a political narrative. Charts, figures, maps, and historical documents introduce the reader to the material world of the ancient Near East, including Egypt. The emphasis on historical debates and areas of uncertainty helps students understand how historians use evidence to create interpretations and that several different interpretations of history are possible. New features in this edition include: <p> <li>Reorganization of the chapters on the early periods, with discussions incorporating the latest archaeological finds. <li>New "Debating the Evidence" sections discussing current controversial issues in Near Eastern history. These sections make it easy for students and teachers to find and use the portions of the text devoted to scholarly arguments about various aspects of ancient Near Eastern history. <li>A new chapter, "Ancient Israel and Judah," has been added to cover more completely the crucial issues of ancient Israelite history and religion. <li>More emphasis has been placed on the role and contributions of women in the ancient Near East.</li> <p> <p>The most important change is the addition of co-author Susan N. Helft, a specialist in the art and archaeology of the ancient Near East, who has applied her considerable knowledge, insight, research, and editing skills throughout the book. This new edition of Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture will remain a crucial text for students beginning to learn about the fascinating civilizations of the Near East.</p>
Ancient Night
by David BowlesPublishers Weekly Best of the Year BookPage Best of the Year Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Evanston Library Best of the Year Horn Book 2023 Summer Reading List "Vivid and vibrant." —NPR Weekend Edition At the start of things, the elders say, the universe was hushed and still. The moon alone shone bright and round in the star-speckled dark of the sky. David Álvarez is one of the most extraordinary artists working today. His black-and-white illustrations have gained fame in his home country of Mexico and around the world. Here, in Ancient Night (Noche Antigua), David displays his immense talent with full-color illustrations for the first time. Ancient Night is a twist on two Nahuatl traditions: the rabbit which the Feathered Serpent placed on the moon, and Yaushu, the Lord Opossum who ruled the earth before humans came, and who stole fire from the gods to create the sun. Award-winning author David Bowles has written a poetic text – and carefully researched backmatter – to accompany David’s lush illustrations and story. Published simultaneously in English and Spanish editions, Ancient Night offers young readers everywhere the chance to savor this ancient tale in its most beautiful format possible. P R A I S E A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard ★ "Bolstered by the ethereal, whimsical text, the plush, incandescent acrylic and oil paint artwork gathers the subtleties and splendors of nighttime and the plant life that surrounds Rabbit and Opossum. Together words and images tug readers along at a measured pace. An excellent authors’ note underscores how common strands and crucial differences from wide-ranging Mesoamerican legends and myths furnish the inspiration at the roots of this tale. Like a mighty dream recalled from time gone by." —Kirkus (starred) ★ "Luminous acrylic and oil illustrations bring the night to life... Enchanting text presents the tale in short, clear sentences that convey a sense of timeless mystery and beauty... An excellent choice for picture book collections that uniquely explores traditional Mesoamerican tales and is sure to inspire the wish for further discovery and appreciation." —School Library Journal (starred) ★ "Bowles’ spare, evocative text flows like poetry… Álvarez’s compositions are sophisticated and uncluttered… beautifully crafted, gently stylized figures so remarkably textured that you can almost count the number of hairs on Rabbit’s body. Ancient Night is wondrous, sparkling and easily one of the best picture books of 2023." —BookPage (starred) ★ "Bowles’s unhurried lines offer a playfully elegant feel to the telling, while Álvarez’s saturated digitized paintings use a limited palette to imagine long-eared, gray Rabbit and pointy-nosed, rust-hued Opossum against luminous leafy landscapes. Together, the collaborators create a dreamlike story variation that truly shines." —Publishers Weekly (starred) ★ "Unmissable… The breathtaking illustrations exude light themselves…" —Foreword Reviews (starred) ★ "Stunning illustrations by acclaimed Mexican artist Álvarez feature a velvety black backdrop of a sky, stars providing only pinpricks of light...spellbinding, poetic text is lyrical but crisp." —Horn Book (starred) "A calming selection for evening lap reads and storytimes." —BCCB "A perfect bedtime read aloud. This Mesoamerican-inspired fable borrows from old tales for a larger-than-life yet soothingly illustrated picture book." —Shelf-Awareness "Exquisite." —Melissa Taylor, Imagination Soup "Álvarez’s illustrations alone are enough to make this stunning picture book a winner—the dreamy feel of the milky moonlight against the deep-dark night and the crisp simplicity of the animals and their world is masterful. When paired with interwoven traditional Mesoamerican tales of the magic and power of our lunar companion, the story sings, enchanting readers with its mystery and beauty. Don’t miss this one!" —Southe
Ancient North America: The Archaeology of a Continent (4th edition)
by Brian M. FaganAnarrative account of what is known of the diverse ancient societies of North America.
Ancient Objects and Sacred Realms: Interpretations of Mississippian Iconography
by James F. Garber F. Kent Reilly IIIBetween AD 900-1600, the native peoples of the Mississippi River Valley and other areas of the Eastern Woodlands of the United States conceived and executed one of the greatest artistic traditions of the Precolumbian Americas. Created in the media of copper, shell, stone, clay, and wood, and incised or carved with a complex set of symbols and motifs, this seven-hundred-year-old artistic tradition functioned within a multiethnic landscape centered on communities dominated by earthen mounds and plazas. Previous researchers have referred to this material as the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex (SECC). This groundbreaking volume brings together ten essays by leading anthropologists, archaeologists, and art historians, who analyze the iconography of Mississippian art in order to reconstruct the ritual activities, cosmological vision, and ideology of these ancient precursors to several groups of contemporary Native Americans. Significantly, the authors correlate archaeological, ethnographic, and art historical data that illustrate the stylistic differences within Mississippian art as well as the numerous changes that occur through time. The research also demonstrates the inadequacy of the SECC label, since Mississippian art is not limited to the Southeast and reflects stylistic changes over time among several linked but distinct religious traditions. The term Mississippian Iconographic Interaction Sphere (MIIS) more adequately describes the corpus of this Mississippian art. Most important, the authors illustrate the overarching nature of the ancient Native American religious system, as a creation unique to the native American cultures of the eastern United States.
Ancient Pasts for Modern Audiences: Public Scholarship and the Mediterranean World
by Chelsea A.M. Gardner and Sabrina C. HigginsThis volume brings together specialists from a broad demographic and professional range – academics, museum curators, students, and content creators – to discuss case studies, challenges, and potential future avenues for public scholarship on the history, archaeology, and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean, North Africa and Western Asia.Together, the contributions promote the creation of inclusive methods of knowledge mobilisation and communication in public spheres across three main areas: cultural heritage, pedagogy and public-facing scholarship. These areas have all been directly affected by Eurocentric structures that have claimed ownership of ancient Mediterranean cultural heritage and have dictated how it has been taught in schools and communicated to the broader public. The volume is divided into three sections – Museums, Teaching and Learning, and Global and Local Projects – each addressing pressing challenges faced within these interrelated fields and offering ways for us to overcome the exclusionary narratives that plague them.Ancient Pasts for Modern Audiences provides an invaluable resource for those interested in public history, from academics to lay audiences, in the fields of Ancient Mediterranean, North African, and Western Asian Studies. The book also appeals to professionals and researchers whose interests lie in public-facing scholarship, pedagogy, digital humanities, decolonisation studies, museum studies and popular media.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.
Ancient People of the Andes
by Michael A. MalpassIn Ancient People of the Andes, Michael A. Malpass describes the prehistory of western South America from initial colonization to the Spanish Conquest. All the major cultures of this region, from the Moche to the Inkas, receive thoughtful treatment, from their emergence to their demise or evolution. No South American culture that lived prior to the arrival of Europeans developed a writing system, making archaeology the only way we know about most of the prehispanic societies of the Andes. The earliest Spaniards on the continent provided first-person accounts of the latest of those societies, and, as descendants of the Inkas became literate, they too became a source of information. Both ethnohistory and archaeology have limitations in what they can tell us, but when we are able to use them together they are complementary ways to access knowledge of these fascinating cultures. Malpass focuses on large anthropological themes: why people settled down into agricultural communities, the origins of social inequalities, and the evolution of sociopolitical complexity. Ample illustrations, including eight color plates, visually document sites, societies, and cultural features. Introductory chapters cover archaeological concepts, dating issues, and the region's climate. The subsequent chapters, divided by time period, allow the reader to track changes in specific cultures over time.
Ancient Persia
by Matt WatersThe Achaemenid Persian Empire, at its greatest territorial extent under Darius I (r. 522-486 BCE), held sway over territory stretching from the Indus River Valley to southeastern Europe and from the western Himalayas to northeast Africa. In this book, Matt Waters gives a detailed historical overview of the Achaemenid period while considering the manifold interpretive problems historians face in constructing and understanding its history. This book offers a Persian perspective even when relying on Greek textual sources and archaeological evidence. Waters situates the story of the Achaemenid Persians in the context of their predecessors in the mid-first millennium BCE and through their successors after the Macedonian conquest, constructing a compelling narrative of how the empire retained its vitality for more than two hundred years (c. 550-330 BCE) and left a massive imprint on Middle Eastern as well as Greek and European history.